Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said the export restrictions imposed by Russia were the kind of challenge needed to encourage diversification of the country’s economy.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Civil Contract party board, Papoyan said tomatoes continue to be exported, while a significant share was also being sold on the domestic market.
“Yes, there have been some changes in the market. For example, tomato prices are now several times lower than they were last year. Naturally, this creates problems for producers, while it is good news for consumers,” he said.
According to the minister, as export destinations become more diversified, such problems will be reduced to a minimum.
“As a result of all this, Armenia and its economy will emerge stronger. Something like this had to happen for our economy to diversify. Otherwise, persuasion and requests alone would not have changed anything,” Papoyan said.
He added that there was currently no information indicating that any businesses had shut down. On the contrary, the competent authorities have continued providing various forms of support to businesses.
Responding to a journalist’s question about whether the European Union’s EUR 35-million assistance package was intended to generate anti-Russian sentiment in Armenia, the minister dismissed the suggestion.
“Come on, when have you ever seen us trying to generate anti-Russian sentiment?” he said. (PanARMENIAN)